Railroad switch circuit controller assembly

ABSTRACT

A railroad switch circuit controller assembly includes a switch frame configured to be mounted to a stock rail, and a switch controller held by the switch frame. The switch controller includes at least one switching mechanism. The switch controller includes a point detection rod operatively connected to the at least one switching mechanism. The point detection rod extends a length from a proximate end portion to a distal end portion. The proximate end portion of the point detection rod is located closer to the stock rail as compared to the distal end portion when the switch frame is mounted to the stock rail. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly also includes a switch foot configured to be mounted to a switch rail, and an external rod operatively connected between the switch foot and the point detection rod of the switch controller such that the external rod is configured to translate linear movement of the switch foot toward and away from the stock rail to the point detection rod. The external rod is connected to the proximate end portion of the point detection rod.

BACKGROUND

This Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/777,738, filed on Dec. 10, 2018 andentitled “RAILROAD SWTICH CIRCUIT CONTROLLER,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Railroad switch assemblies often include switch circuit controllerassemblies that detect the position of the railroad switch and whetherthe railroad switch has completely set and locked in the position.Switch circuit controller assemblies typically include a switch framethat is mounted to the stock rail of a railroad and a switch controllerheld by the switch frame. The switch controller includes a pointdetection rod (sometimes referred to as an “operating rod”) that isoperatively connected to one or more switching mechanisms (e.g., relays,switches, cams, etc.) that indicate the position of the railroad switch.An external rod is operatively connected between the point detection rodand a switch foot mounted to a switch rail (sometimes referred to as a“point”) for translating linear movement of the switch foot between thepositions of the railroad switch to the point detection rod.

However, at least some known external rods are operatively connectedbetween the point detection rod and the switch foot using a plurality oflinkages, connection points, and/or the like (e.g., linking rods,articulating joints, etc.) that may add slop (e.g., play, etc.) withinto the operative connection of the external rod between the switch footand the point detection rod. In other words, the linkages, connectionpoints, and/or the like add numerous points of loss as the motion of theswitch foot is translated to the point detection rod of the switchcontroller. Some known switch circuit controller assemblies may have asmany as three or more points of loss. Such points of loss may requirerelatively frequent adjustment and/or may increase the loss of motionover time, which may increase the cost of maintaining the railroadswitch, decrease the reliability of the railroad switch, and/or thelike.

Further, the external rod of at least some known switch circuitcontroller assemblies is routed underneath the switch frame such thatthe profile of the switch controller may be exposed to draggingequipment and/or such that the external rod may be exposed to ballastbetween the railroad ties, which may interfere with operation of theswitch circuit controller assembly and/or damage one or more componentsthereof (e.g., the switch controller, the external rod, etc.). Moreover,at least some known switch circuit controller assemblies are susceptibleto damage caused by vertical movement of the rails (e.g., verticalpumping motion as rail cars move over the rails, which is sometimesreferred to as “rail hump”, etc.) and/or rail run (e.g., thermodynamicgrowth of the length of a railroad rail, etc.).

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a railroad switch circuit controller assembly includes aswitch frame configured to be mounted to a stock rail, and a switchcontroller held by the switch frame. The switch controller includes atleast one switching mechanism. The switch controller includes a pointdetection rod operatively connected to the at least one switchingmechanism. The point detection rod extends a length from a proximate endportion to a distal end portion. The proximate end portion of the pointdetection rod is located closer to the stock rail as compared to thedistal end portion when the switch frame is mounted to the stock rail.The railroad switch circuit controller assembly also includes a switchfoot configured to be mounted to a switch rail, and an external rodoperatively connected between the switch foot and the point detectionrod of the switch controller such that the external rod is configured totranslate linear movement of the switch foot toward and away from thestock rail to the point detection rod. The external rod is connected tothe proximate end portion of the point detection rod.

In another aspect, a railroad switch assembly includes a switch rail anda switch circuit controller assembly. The switch circuit controllerassembly includes a switch frame configured to be mounted to a stockrail of a railroad, and a switch controller held by the switch frame.The switch controller includes at least one switching mechanism. Theswitch controller includes a point detection rod operatively connectedto the at least one switching mechanism. The point detection rod extendsa length from a proximate end portion to a distal end portion. Theproximate end portion of the point detection rod is located closer tothe stock rail as compared to the distal end portion when the switchframe is mounted to the stock rail. The switch circuit controllerassembly includes a switch foot mounted to a switch rail, and anexternal rod operatively connected between the switch foot and the pointdetection rod of the switch controller such that the external rod isconfigured to translate linear movement of the switch foot toward andaway from the stock rail to the point detection rod. The external rod isconnected to the proximate end portion of the point detection rod.

In another aspect, a railroad switch circuit controller assemblyincludes a switch frame configured to be mounted to a stock rail, and aswitch controller held by the switch frame. The switch controllerincludes at least one switching mechanism. The switch controllerincludes a point detection rod operatively connected to the at least oneswitching mechanism. The railroad switch circuit controller assemblyalso includes a switch foot configured to be mounted to a switch rail,and an external rod operatively connected between the switch foot andthe point detection rod of the switch controller such that the externalrod is configured to translate linear movement of the switch foot towardand away from the stock rail to the point detection rod. The externalrod extends within an interior cavity of the switch frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a railroad switch accordingto an implementation.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the railroad switch shown in FIG.1 illustrating a switch circuit controller assembly of the railroadswitch according to an implementation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the railroad switch shown in FIGS. 1 and2 illustrating a plan view of the railroad switch.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a clamp of the switch circuitcontroller assembly shown in FIG. 2 according to an implementation.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view illustrating the clamp shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view taken from underneath the railroad switchshown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view illustrating a switch controller of the switchcircuit controller assembly according to an implementation.

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the railroad switch shown in FIGS.1-7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the railroad switch shown in FIGS. 1-8illustrating a switch foot of the switch circuit controller assemblyaccording to an implementation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the switch circuitassembly illustrating the switch foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments and implementations will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, anelement or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or“an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of theelements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” or “oneimplementation” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding theexistence of additional embodiments or implementations that alsoincorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated tothe contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or aplurality of elements having a particular property can includeadditional elements not having that property.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” and the like are used to describeembodiments and implementations of the present disclosure, it isunderstood that such terms are merely used with respect to theorientations shown in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted,rotated, or otherwise changed, such that a top side becomes a bottomside if the structure is flipped 180 degrees, becomes a left side or aright side if the structure is pivoted 90 degrees, and the like.

Certain implementations of the present disclosure include a railroadswitch circuit controller assembly that includes a switch frameconfigured to be mounted to a stock rail, and a switch controller heldby the switch frame. The switch controller includes at least oneswitching mechanism. The switch controller includes a point detectionrod operatively connected to the at least one switching mechanism. Thepoint detection rod extends a length from a proximate end portion to adistal end portion. The proximate end portion of the point detection rodis located closer to the stock rail as compared to the distal endportion when the switch frame is mounted to the stock rail. The railroadswitch circuit controller assembly also includes a switch footconfigured to be mounted to a switch rail, and an external rodoperatively connected between the switch foot and the point detectionrod of the switch controller such that the external rod is configured totranslate linear movement of the switch foot toward and away from thestock rail to the point detection rod. The external rod is connected tothe proximate end portion of the point detection rod.

Certain implementations of the present disclosure provide a railroadswitch circuit controller assembly that includes a switch frameconfigured to be mounted to a stock rail, and a switch controller heldby the switch frame. The switch controller includes at least oneswitching mechanism. The switch controller includes a point detectionrod operatively connected to the at least one switching mechanism. Therailroad switch circuit controller assembly also includes a switch footconfigured to be mounted to a switch rail, and an external rodoperatively connected between the switch foot and the point detectionrod of the switch controller such that the external rod is configured totranslate linear movement of the switch foot toward and away from thestock rail to the point detection rod. The external rod extends withinan interior cavity of the switch frame.

Certain implementations of the present disclosure reduce the number ofpoints of loss (e.g., slop, play, etc.) between a switch foot and apoint detection rod, which may reduce the amount of adjustment requiredover time, reduce the loss of motion over time, and/or the like. Forexample, certain implementations of the present disclosure reducelinkages, connection points, and/or the like (e.g., linking rods,articulating joints, etc.) between the switch foot and the pointdetection rod that can require adjustment, can increase the loss ofmotion over time, and/or the like. Certain implementations of thepresent disclosure lower the profile of a switch circuit controllerassembly, which may reduce or eliminate the impact of dragging equipmentinterfering with and/or damaging the switch controller. Certainimplementations of the present disclosure may reduce exposure of theexternal rod to ballast between the railroad ties, which may reduce oreliminate the impact of ballast interfering with and/or damaging theexternal rod. Certain implementations of the present disclosureaccommodate at least some vertical movement of railroad rails (e.g.,vertical pumping motion sometimes referred to as “rail hump”, etc.),which may reduce or eliminate damage to the switch controller, anexternal rod, a switch foot, and/or other components of the switchcircuit controller assembly caused by such vertical movement. Certainimplementations of the present disclosure accommodate at least some railrun (e.g., thermodynamic growth of the length of a railroad rail, etc.),which may reduce or eliminate damage to the switch controller, anexternal rod, a switch foot, and/or other components of the switchcircuit controller assembly caused by rail run.

With references now to FIGS. 1-3, a railroad switch assembly 100includes a switch circuit controller assembly 102 that is configured todetect the position of a railroad switch (not shown) of the assembly 100and whether the railroad switch has completely set and locked in theparticular position. The switch circuit controller assembly 102 includesa switch frame 104, a switch controller 106, a switch foot 108(sometimes referred to as a “point lug”), and an external rod 110. Aswill be described below, the switch frame 104 is configured to bemounted to a stock rail 112 of a railroad, for example as is shown inFIGS. 1-5, 7, and 8, etc. The switch controller 106 is held by theswitch frame 104 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 7, etc.) andincludes a point detection rod 114 (sometimes referred to as an“operating rod”) and one or more switching mechanisms 116 (not visiblein FIGS. 1 and 2) that indicate the position of the railroad switch. Theswitch foot 108 is configured to be mounted to a switch rail 118(sometimes referred to as a “point”; not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of therailroad switch assembly 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3, etc.). Theexternal rod 110 is operatively connected between the switch foot 108and the switch controller 106, for example as is shown herein anddescribed in more detail below, etc.

In operation, the switch foot 108 moves along with the switch rail 118as the switch rail 118 moves between different positions of the railroadswitch. The external rod 110 translates linear movement of the switchfoot 108 to the point detection rod 114. Movement of the point detectionrod 114 switches the switching mechanism(s) 116 between differentpositions thereof that indicate the position of the railroad switch. Aswill be described in more detail below, the external rod 110 isconnected to a proximate end portion 120 of the point detection rod 114,which may reduce the number of points of loss (e.g., slop, play, etc.)of the operative connection of the external rod 110 between the switchfoot 108 and the point detection rod 114. Moreover, the external rod 110is routed within the switch frame 104, which may lower the profile ofthe switch circuit controller assembly 102 and/or reduce exposure of theexternal rod 110 to ballast (not shown) extending between the railroadties (e.g., the railroad ties 400 shown herein, etc.).

Referring now to the switch frame 104, the switch frame 104 may bemounted to the stock rail 112 using any method, means, structure,mechanism, manner, arrangement, connection, connector, device, and/orthe like that enables the switch circuit controller assembly 102 tofunction as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to detect theposition of the railroad switch, to determine whether the railroadswitch has completely set and locked in a particular position, etc.),such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, an interference fit, asnap-fit, a fastener (e.g., a threaded fastener, a non-threadedfastener, etc.), a clamp, a latch, welding, brazing, an epoxy, a clip, aring, a cotter pin, a quick release pin, a clevis, a clevis-typeconnection, a bayonet-type connection, a spring override, and/or thelike.

In the exemplary implementation shown herein, the switch frame 104 ismounted to the stock rail 112 using a clamp 122. For example, the switchframe 104 extends a length from an end portion 124 to an end portion 126that is opposite the end portion 124. Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, theend portion 124 of the switch frame 104 includes a clamping member 128(not visible in FIG. 6) of the clamp 122 that includes slots 130 (notvisible in FIG. 6) that are configured to receive one side 132 of a foot134 of the stock rail 112 therein. The stock rail 112 has been removedfrom FIG. 4 to better illustrate the clamp 122. The switch frame 104also includes a clamping member 136 of the clamp 122 that is configuredto receive an opposite side 138 of the foot 134 of the stock rail 112therein. For example, the clamping member 136 extends a height from alower clamping flange 140 (not visible in FIGS. 3 and 4) to an upperclamping flange 142 (not visible in FIG. 6). The upper clamping flange142 is configured to wrap over the side 138 of the foot 134 of the stockrail 112. The lower clamping flange 140 is configured to wrap under alower wall 144 of the switch frame 104. Specifically, the lower clampingflange 140 includes opposite extensions 140 a and 140 b (best seen inFIG. 6) that are each configured to extend under a respective segment144 a and 144 b of the lower wall 144, as is shown in FIG. 6.

In operation, the switch frame 104 is positioned on the stock rail 112such that the side 132 of the foot 134 of the stock rail 112 is receivedinto the slots 130 of the clamping member 128 with the foot 134 of thestock rail 112 resting on side rails 148 of the switch frame 104. Theclamping member 136 is positioned over the side 138 of the foot 134 ofthe stock rail 112 such that the upper and lower clamping flanges 142and 140, respectively, are wrapped over the side 138 of the stock railfoot 134 and the lower wall 144 of the switch frame 104, respectively.The clamping members 128 and 136 are then clamped together to generate aclamping force that holds the switch frame 104 to the foot 134 of thestock rail 112. In the exemplary implementation shown herein, theclamping members 128 and 136 are clamped together using threadedfasteners 150. Although two are shown, any number of the threadedfasteners 150 may be used to clamp the clamping members 128 and 136together. In addition or alternatively to the threaded fasteners 150,any other type of fastener may be used to clamp the clamping memberstogether.

The clamp 122 of the switch frame 104 optionally includes one or morewedge retainers 152 that fit over the clamping member 136 with aninterference fit. For example, and referring now solely to FIG. 5, eachwedge retainer 152 extends a height from a lower flange 154 to an upperflange 156. The upper flange 156 is configured to wrap over the upperclamping flange 142 of the clamping member 136. The lower flange 154 isconfigured to wrap over the lower clamping flange 140 of the clampingmember 136. In operation, each wedge retainer 152 is positioned over theclamping member 136 such that the lower and upper flanges 154 and 156,respectively, are engaged with the lower and upper clamping flanges 140and 142, respectively, with an interference fit. In other words, eachwedge retainer 152 is fit over the clamping member 136 such that theclamping member 136 is received into an opening 158 defined between thelower clamping flange 140 and the upper clamping flange 142 of the wedgeretainer 152 with an interference fit. The interference fit of eachwedge retainer 152 over the clamping member 136 facilitates holding theclamping member 136 on the side 138 of the stock rail foot 134 in theevent of failure of one or more of the fasteners 150. For example, uponfailure of one or more of the fasteners 150, the wedge retainers 152facilitate maintaining the clamping force between the clamping members128 and 136 and thereby facilitate holding the switch frame 104 on thestock rail 112. Although two wedge retainers 152 are shown herein, theswitch frame 104 may include any number of the wedge retainers 152. Theclamp 122 described and/or illustrated herein may reduce or eliminatewelding of dissimilar material thicknesses that can be prone topremature fracture.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the switch foot 108 may be mounted tothe switch rail 118 using any method, means, structure, mechanism,manner, arrangement, connection, connector, device, and/or the like thatenables the switch circuit controller assembly 102 to function asdescribed and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to detect the position of therailroad switch, to determine whether the railroad switch has completelyset and locked in a particular position, etc.), such as, but not limitedto, an adhesive, an interference fit, a snap-fit, a fastener (e.g., anon-threaded fastener, a threaded fastener, etc.), a clamp, a latch,welding, brazing, an epoxy, a clip, a ring, a cotter pin, a quickrelease pin, a clevis, a clevis-type connection, a bayonet-typeconnection, a spring override, and/or the like. The switch rail 118 hasbeen removed from FIG. 2 for clarity.

In the exemplary implementation shown herein, the switch foot 108 ismounted to the switch rail 118 using one or more threaded fasteners 160(not shown in FIG. 2). For example, the switch foot 108 includes one ormore openings 162, each of which is configured to receive one or more ofthe fasteners 160 therein. The switch rail 118 also includes one or moreopenings 164, which in the exemplary implementation extend into a web166 of the switch rail 118. Each of the openings 164 is also configuredto receive one or more of the fasteners 160 therein. In operation, thefasteners 160 extend into the openings 162 and 164 to hold (e.g.,threadably clamp, etc.) the switch foot 108 on the switch rail 118. Inthe exemplary implementation, the threaded fasteners 160 include nuts168. In addition or alternatively to the nuts 168, in some otherimplementations one or more of the openings 162 and/or one or more ofthe openings 164 is threaded.

As is shown in FIG. 2, one or more of the openings 162 and/or one ormore of the openings 164 is optionally elongated, for example to enableadjustment of the position of the switch foot 108 relative to the switchrail 118. Although the switch foot 108 is mounted to the web 166 of theswitch rail 118 in the exemplary implementation, in addition oralternatively the switch foot 108 may be mounted to a foot 170 of theswitch rail 118. Although only one is shown and two are implied from thenumber of openings 162, any number of the threaded fasteners 160 may beprovided. Moreover, the switch foot 108 may include any number of theopenings 162, each of which may receive any number of the threadedfasteners 160. Although only one is shown and two are implied from thenumber of the openings 162, the switch rail 118 may include any numberof the openings 164, each of which may receive any number of thethreaded fasteners 160.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the switch controller 106 includes ahousing 172 that is held by the switch frame 104. The housing 172includes a cover 174, which has been removed from FIG. 2 for clarity.The switch controller 106 may be held by the switch frame 104 using anymethod, means, structure, mechanism, manner, arrangement, connection,connector, device, and/or the like that enables the switch controller106 to function as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to detectthe position of the railroad switch, to determine whether the railroadswitch has completely set and locked in a particular position, etc.),such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, an interference fit, asnap-fit, a fastener (e.g., a non-threaded fastener, a threadedfastener, etc.), a clamp, a latch, welding, brazing, an epoxy, a clip, aring, a cotter pin, a quick release pin, a clevis, a clevis-typeconnection, a bayonet-type connection, a spring override, and/or thelike.

In the exemplary implementation shown herein, the housing 172 of theswitch controller 106 is secured to the segments 144 a and 144 b of thelower wall 144 of the switch frame 104, for example using the threadedfasteners 176 shown in FIG. 6. Although four are shown, any number ofthreaded fasteners 176 may be provided. Moreover, in some otherimplementations, the housing 172 of the switch controller 106 isadditionally or alternatively secured to one or more other components ofthe switch frame 104 (e.g., one or both of the side rails 148, etc.).

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 7, the switch controller 106 includes oneor more of the switching mechanisms 116. Each switching mechanism 116includes two or more positions that indicate whether the railroad switchis in a particular position. Although four are shown in FIG. 3 and threeare shown in FIG. 7, the switch controller 106 may include any number ofthe switching mechanisms 116. Moreover, each switching mechanism 116 maybe any type of switching mechanism that enables the switch controller106 to function as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to detectthe position of the railroad switch, to determine whether the railroadswitch has completely set and locked in a particular position, etc.),such as, but not limited to, a switch, a relay, a cam-activatedswitching mechanism, and/or the like. The switch controller 106 alsoincludes electrical terminals 178 for electrical connection of theswitching mechanisms 116 to various other components of the railroadswitch (e.g., a control system, a monitoring station, etc.). The switchcontroller 106 may include any number of the electrical terminals 178.Each electrical terminal 178 may be any type of electrical terminal,such as, but not limited to, the electrical terminals 178 illustrated inFIGS. 2-4 and 9, the electrical terminals 178 shown in FIG. 7, and/orthe like.

The switch controller 106 includes the point detection rod 114, whichextends a length along a central longitudinal axis 180 of the switchcircuit controller assembly 102 from the proximate end portion 120 to adistal end portion 182. The length of the point detection rod 114optionally extends through the length of the housing 172 such that theproximate end portion 120 and/or the distal end portion 182 optionallyextend outwardly from opposite ends 184 and 186 of the housing 172, forexample as shown in the exemplary implementation. As shown in FIG. 3,the proximate end portion 120 of the point detection rod 114 is locatedcloser to the stock rail 118 as compared to the distal end portion 182.Optionally, the distal end portion 182 of the point detection rod is afree end portion, for example as shown in FIG. 3.

The point detection rod 114 is configured to reciprocate along thecentral longitudinal axis 180 within the housing 172 between two or moredifferent positions of the point detection rod 114 that correspond tothe different positions of the switching mechanisms 116. The pointdetection rod 114 is operatively connected to the switching mechanisms116 such that the reciprocating movement of the point detection rod 114is configured to switch the switching mechanisms 116 between thepositions thereof (e.g., activate a switching mechanism 116, de-activatea switching mechanism 116, etc.). The point detection rod 114 may beoperatively connected to the switching mechanisms 116 using any method,means, structure, mechanism, manner, arrangement, connection, connector,device, and/or the like that enables the point detection rod 114 tofunction as described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to move theswitching mechanisms between the positions thereof, etc.). For example,in the exemplary implementation of the switch controller 106, theswitching mechanisms 116 include switching arms 188 that are configuredto be engaged and disengaged by corresponding segments of the pointdetection rod 114 to move the switching mechanism 116 between thepositions thereof. Other method, means, structures, mechanisms, manners,arrangements, connections, connectors, devices, and/or the like arecontemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g.,cams, etc.). Optionally, the switch controller 106 includes a biasingdevice 190 that is operatively connected to the point detection rod 114such that the biasing device 190 is configured to bias the pointdetection rod 114 to a predetermined position along the centrallongitudinal axis 180 relative to the switching mechanisms 116 (e.g., aneutral position, a center position along the length of the housing 172for example as is shown in FIG. 7, a position that corresponds to one ofthe positions of the railroad switch, etc.).

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the external rod 110 is connected tothe proximate end portion 120 of the point detection rod 114, as brieflydescribed above. For example, the exemplary implementation of theexternal rod 110 extends a length from an end portion 192 to an oppositeend portion 194. The end portion 192 of the external rod 110 isoperatively connected to the switch foot 108, for example as will bedescribed below.

The end portion 194 of the external rod 110 is connected to theproximate end portion 120 of the point detection rod 114 such thatmovement of the external rod 110 along the central longitudinal axis 180is translated to the point detection rod 114. As should be apparent fromFIGS. 1-10, the length of the external rod 110 is aligned vertically(e.g., is in line vertically, aligned within the same horizontal plane,etc.) with the length of the point detection rod 114. The end portion194 of the external rod 110 may be connected to the proximate endportion 120 of the point detection rod 114 using any method, means,structure, mechanism, manner, arrangement, connection, connector,device, and/or the like that enables the external rod 110 to function asdescribed and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to translate movement of theswitch foot 108 to the point detection rod 114, etc.), such as, but notlimited to, an adhesive, an interference fit, a snap-fit, a fastener(e.g., a threaded fastener, a non-threaded fastener, etc.), a clamp, alatch, welding, brazing, an epoxy, a clip, a ring, a cotter pin, a quickrelease pin, a clevis, a clevis-type connection, a bayonet-typeconnection, a spring override, and/or the like. In the exemplaryimplementation shown herein, the end portion 194 of the external rod 110is connected to the proximate end portion 120 of the point detection rod114 with a threaded connection 196.

The connection of the external rod 110 to the proximate end portion 120of the point detection rod 114 (and/or the vertical alignment of thelength of the external rod 110 with the length of the point detectionrod 114) provides a more direct connection between the external rod 110and the point detection rod 114, for example as compared to knownarrangements wherein an external rod is connected to the distal end of apoint detection rod, etc. For example, connection of the external rod110 to the proximate end portion 120 of the point detection rod 114reduces the number of linkages, connection points, and/or the like(e.g., linking rods, articulating joints, etc.) between the switch foot108 and the point detection rod 114 that can require adjustment, canincrease the loss of motion over time, and/or the like. Accordingly, theexemplary connection of the external rod 110 to the proximate endportion 120 of the point detection rod 144 reduces the number of pointsof loss (e.g., slop, play, etc.) of the operative connection of theexternal rod 110 between the switch foot 108 and the point detection rod114, which may reduce the amount of adjustment required over time,reduce the loss of motion over time, and/or the like. In some examples,the operative connection of the external rod 110 between the switch foot108 and the point detection rod 114 has less than three points of loss.In some other examples, the operative connection of the external rod 110between the switch foot 108 and the point detection rod 114 has lessthan two points of loss (e.g., a single point of loss at the operativeconnection between the switch foot 108 and the end portion 192 of theexternal rod 110, etc.).

As briefly described above, and referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 8,the external rod 110 is routed within the switch frame 104. For example,the length of the external rod 110 extends through a side wall 198 ofthe switch frame 104 such that a segment 200 (not visible in FIG. 8) ofthe length of the external rod 110 that includes the end portion 194extends within an interior cavity 202 of the switch frame 104. Forexample, the external rod 110 extends above the lower wall 144 of theswitch frame 104 when the switch frame 104 is mounted to the stock rail112. As the segment 200 of the external rod 110 extends within theinterior cavity 202 of the switch frame 104, the connection between theend portion 194 of the external rod 110 and the proximate end portion120 (not visible in FIG. 8) of the point detection rod 114 (not visiblein FIG. 8) also extends within the interior cavity 202 of the switchframe 104.

Routing the external rod 110 within the switch frame 104 lowers theprofile of the switch circuit controller assembly 102, for example ascompared to known arrangements wherein an external rod is routedunderneath the switch frame 104, etc. For example, routing the length ofthe external rod 110 within the interior cavity 202 of the switch frame104 such that the external rod 110 extends above the lower wall 144 ofthe switch frame 104 lowers the profile of the switch circuit controllerassembly 102. For example, routing the length of the external rod 110within the interior cavity 202 of the switch frame 104 may reduce theprofile of the switch circuit controller assembly 102 by approximately aquarter of an inch, approximately a half of an inch, approximately aninch, between approximately an eighth of an inch and approximately aninch and a half, and/or the like. By lowering the profile of the switchcircuit controller assembly 102, the implementations described and/orillustrated herein may reduce or eliminate the impact of draggingequipment interfering with and/or damaging the switch controller 106.Routing the external rod 110 within the switch frame 104 may reduceexposure of the external rod 110 to ballast that extends betweenrailroad ties (e.g., as compared to known arrangements wherein anexternal rod is routed underneath the switch frame 104, etc.), which mayreduce or eliminate the impact of ballast interfering with and/ordamaging the external rod 110.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 9, and 10, the exemplary implementation of theexternal rod 110 shown herein is operatively connected to the switchfoot 108 such that the external rod 110 is configured to translatemovement of the switch foot 108 to the point detection rod 114 (notvisible in FIG. 9 or 10). For example, the end portion 192 of theexternal rod 110 includes a leg 204 that extends vertically outward fromthe length of the external rod 110. The exemplary implementation of theswitch foot 108 includes a flange 206 that includes one or more openings208 extending therein. The opening 208 extends a length from an endportion 210 to an opposite end portion 212 and includes opposingsidewalls 214 and 216 that extend along the length thereof. As shown inFIGS. 3, 9, and 10, the leg 204 of the external rod 110 is received intothe opening 208 of the switch foot flange 206 such that when the switchfoot 108 moves in the direction of the arrow 218, the sidewall 214pushes against the leg 204 of the external rod 110 to thereby move theexternal rod 110 along the central longitudinal axis 180 in thedirection 218. Similarly, when the switch foot 108 moves in thedirection of the arrow 220, the sidewall 216 of the switch foot opening208 pushes against the leg 204 of the external rod 110 to thereby movethe external rod 110 along the central longitudinal axis 180 in thedirection 220. Although two are shown, the flange 206 of the switch foot108 may include any number of the openings 208 (e.g., multiple openings208 may be provided to enable adjustment of the position of the externalrod 110 relative to the switch foot 108, the point detection rod 114,etc.).

In the exemplary implementation shown herein, the flange 206 is mountedto a body 222 of the switch foot 108 using any number of threadedfasteners 224. In addition or alternatively to the threaded fasteners224, the flange 206 may be mounted to the body 222 using any method,means, structure, mechanism, manner, arrangement, connection, connector,device, and/or the like that enables the switch foot 108 to function asdescribed and/or illustrated herein (e.g., to translate movement of theswitch foot 108 to the external rod 110, etc.), such as, but not limitedto, an adhesive, an interference fit, a snap-fit, a non-threadedfastener, a clamp, a latch, welding, brazing, an epoxy, a clip, a ring,a cotter pin, a quick release pin, a clevis, a clevis-type connection, abayonet-type connection, a spring override, and/or the like. In someother implementations, the flange 206 is integrally formed with the body222 as a single, unitary structure.

In some implementations, the operative connection between the externalrod 110 and the switch foot 108 is configured to accommodate at leastsome rail run (e.g., longitudinal thermodynamic growth, etc.) of thestock rail 112 and/or the switch rail 118 (not shown in FIG. 9 or 10).For example, the opening 208 is optionally an elongate slot. The lengthof the slot 208 from the end portion 210 to the end portion 212 extendsalong the length of the stock rail 112 when the switch frame 104 ismounted to the stock rail 112. The leg 204 of the external rod 110 isfree to move (e.g., float, etc.) along the length of the slot 208, forexample to accommodate rail run of the rails 112 and/or 118, etc. Byenabling the leg 204 of the external rod 110 to move along the length ofthe slot 208, the operative connection between the external rod 110 andthe switch foot 108 may reduce or eliminate damage to one or morecomponents of the switch circuit controller assembly 102 (e.g., theswitch controller 106, the external rod 110, the switch foot 108, etc.).

In some implementations, the operative connection between the externalrod 110 and the switch foot 108 is configured to accommodate at leastsome vertical movement of the stock rail 112 and/or the switch rail 118.For example, in the exemplary implementation shown herein, the opening208 extends completely through the flange 206 of the switch foot 108 andthe leg 204 of the external rod 110 extends completely through theopening 208. The leg 204 of the external rod 110 is therefore free tomove (e.g., float, etc.) along a vertical axis 226 relative to theswitch foot 108 to accommodate vertical movement of the stock rail 112and/or the switch rail 118, for example rail hump caused by verticalpumping motion of the rails 112 and/or 118 as a rail car moves over therails 112 and/or 118, etc. For example, the leg 204 of the external rod110 is configured to move along the vertical axis 226 (not shown in FIG.3) in the direction of the arrow 228 as the stock rail 112 and/or theswitch rail 118 moves vertically along the vertical axis 226 in thedirection 228; and the leg 204 of the external rod 110 is configured tomove along the vertical axis 226 in the direction of the arrow 230 asthe stock rail 112 and/or the switch rail 118 moves vertically along thevertical axis 226 in the direction 230. By enabling the leg 204 of theexternal rod 110 to move vertically relative to the switch foot 108, theoperative connection between the external rod 110 and the switch foot108 may reduce or eliminate damage to one or more components of theswitch circuit controller assembly 102 (e.g., the switch controller 106,the external rod 110, the switch foot 108, etc.).

Although the opening 208 of the switch foot 108 extends completelythrough the flange 206 of the switch foot 108 in the exemplaryimplementation shown herein, in some other implementations the opening208 does not extend completely through the flange 206 and has a depthwith a dimension that enables at least some vertical movement of the leg204 of the external rod 110 relative to the switch foot 108, for exampleto accommodate vertical movement of the rails 112 and/or 118, etc.

Various implementations of the present disclosure reduce the number ofpoints of loss (e.g., slop, play, etc.) between a switch foot and apoint detection rod, which may reduce the amount of adjustment requiredover time, reduce the loss of motion over time, and/or the like. Forexample, various implementations of the present disclosure reducelinkages, connection points, and/or the like (e.g., linking rods,articulating joints, etc.) between the switch foot and the pointdetection rod that can require adjustment, can increase the loss ofmotion over time, and/or the like. Various implementations of thepresent disclosure lower the profile of a switch circuit controllerassembly, which may reduce or eliminate the impact of dragging equipmentinterfering with and/or damaging the switch controller. Variousimplementations of the present disclosure may reduce exposure of theexternal rod to ballast between the railroad ties, which may reduce oreliminate the impact of ballast interfering with and/or damaging theexternal rod. Various implementations of the present disclosureaccommodate at least some vertical movement of railroad rails (e.g.,vertical pumping motion sometimes referred to as “rail hump”, etc.),which may reduce or eliminate damage to the switch controller, anexternal rod, a switch foot, and/or other components of the switchcircuit controller assembly caused by such vertical movement. Variousimplementations of the present disclosure accommodate at least some railrun (e.g., thermodynamic growth of the length of a railroad rail, etc.),which may reduce or eliminate damage to the switch controller, anexternal rod, a switch foot, and/or other components of the switchcircuit controller assembly caused by rail run.

The following clauses describe further aspects:

-   -   Clause Set A:    -   A1. A railroad switch circuit controller assembly comprising:    -   a switch frame configured to be mounted to a stock rail;    -   a switch controller held by the switch frame, the switch        controller comprising at least one switching mechanism, the        switch controller comprising a point detection rod operatively        connected to the at least one switching mechanism, the point        detection rod extending a length from a proximate end portion to        a distal end portion, wherein the proximate end portion of the        point detection rod is located closer to the stock rail as        compared to the distal end portion when the switch frame is        mounted to the stock rail;    -   a switch foot configured to be mounted to a switch rail; and    -   an external rod operatively connected between the switch foot        and the point detection rod of the switch controller such that        the external rod is configured to translate linear movement of        the switch foot toward and away from the stock rail to the point        detection rod, wherein the external rod is connected to the        proximate end portion of the point detection rod.    -   A2. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the distal end portion of the point detection rod is        a free end portion.    -   A3. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the external rod extends within the switch frame.    -   A4. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the external rod is configured to extend above a        lower wall of the switch frame when the switch frame is mounted        to the stock rail.    -   A5. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the switch foot comprises a slot having a length        that is configured to extend along a length of the stock rail        when the switch frame is mounted to the stock rail, the external        rod being operatively connected to the switch foot such that the        external rod extends within the slot, wherein the external rod        is free to move within the slot along the length of the slot.    -   A6. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the switch foot comprises an opening, the external        rod being operatively connected to the switch foot such that the        external rod extends within the opening, wherein the external        rod free to move vertically within the opening relative to the        switch foot.    -   A7. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the operative connection of the external rod between        the switch foot and the point detection rod has less than three        points of loss.    -   A8. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the operative connection of the external rod between        the switch foot and the point detection rod has less than two        points of loss.    -   A9. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the switch frame is configured to be mounted to the        stock rail using a clamp, the switch frame further comprising a        wedge retainer that is fit over a clamping member of the clamp        with an interference fit.    -   A10. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        A1, wherein the at least one switching mechanism comprises at        least one of a switch or a relay.    -   Clause Set B:    -   B1. A railroad switch assembly comprising:    -   a switch rail; and    -   a switch circuit controller assembly comprising:        -   a switch frame configured to be mounted to a stock rail of a            railroad;        -   a switch controller held by the switch frame, the switch            controller comprising at least one switching mechanism, the            switch controller comprising a point detection rod            operatively connected to the at least one switching            mechanism, the point detection rod extending a length from a            proximate end portion to a distal end portion, wherein the            proximate end portion of the point detection rod is located            closer to the stock rail as compared to the distal end            portion when the switch frame is mounted to the stock rail;        -   a switch foot mounted to a switch rail; and        -   an external rod operatively connected between the switch            foot and the point detection rod of the switch controller            such that the external rod is configured to translate linear            movement of the switch foot toward and away from the stock            rail to the point detection rod, wherein the external rod is            connected to the proximate end portion of the point            detection rod.    -   B2. The railroad switch assembly of clause B1, wherein the        distal end portion of the point detection rod is a free end        portion.    -   B3. The railroad switch assembly of clause B1, wherein the        external rod extends above a lower wall of the switch frame.    -   B4. The railroad switch assembly of clause B1, wherein the        external rod is operatively connected to the switch foot such        that the external rod extends within an opening of the switch        foot, the external rod being free to move within the opening        along the length of the stock rail relative to the switch foot,        the external rod being free to move within the opening        vertically relative to the stock rail.    -   B5. The railroad switch assembly of clause B1, wherein the        operative connection of the external rod between the switch foot        and the point detection rod has less than two points of loss.    -   Clause Set C:    -   C1. A railroad switch circuit controller assembly comprising:    -   a switch frame configured to be mounted to a stock rail;    -   a switch controller held by the switch frame, the switch        controller comprising at least one switching mechanism, the        switch controller comprising a point detection rod operatively        connected to the at least one switching mechanism;    -   a switch foot configured to be mounted to a switch rail; and    -   an external rod operatively connected between the switch foot        and the point detection rod of the switch controller such that        the external rod is configured to translate linear movement of        the switch foot toward and away from the stock rail to the point        detection rod, wherein the external rod extends within an        interior cavity of the switch frame.    -   C2. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        C1, wherein the external rod is configured to extend above a        lower wall of the switch frame when the switch frame is mounted        to the stock rail.    -   C3. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        C1, wherein the switch foot comprises a slot having a length        that is configured to extend along a length of the stock rail        when the switch frame is mounted to the stock rail, the external        rod being operatively connected to the switch foot such that the        external rod extends within the slot, wherein the external rod        is free to move within the slot along the length of the slot.    -   C4. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        C1, wherein the switch foot comprises an opening, the external        rod being operatively connected to the switch foot such that the        external rod extends within the opening, wherein the external        rod free to move vertically within the opening relative to the        switch foot.    -   C5. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of clause        C1, wherein the operative connection of the external rod between        the switch foot and the point detection rod has less than two        points of loss.

As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configuredto” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed,constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task oroperation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an objectthat is merely capable of being modified to perform the task oroperation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as usedherein.

Any range or value given herein can be extended or altered withoutlosing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described abovecan relate to one embodiment or can relate to several embodiments. Theembodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the statedproblems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits andadvantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ itemrefers to one or more of those items.

The term “comprising” is used in this specification to mean includingthe feature(s) or act(s) followed thereafter, without excluding thepresence of one or more additional features or acts.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in examples ofthe disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unlessotherwise specified. That is, the operations can be performed in anyorder, unless otherwise specified, and examples of the disclosure caninclude additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. Forexample, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particularoperation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation(e.g., different steps, etc.) is within the scope of aspects of thedisclosure.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examplesthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere can be additional elements other than the listed elements. Theterm “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of ” The phrase “one ormore of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or atleast one of B and/or at least one of C.”

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will beapparent that modifications and variations are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in theappended claims. As various changes could be made in the aboveconstructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope ofaspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained inthe above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the variousembodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. Whilethe dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended todefine the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, theembodiments are by no means limiting and are example embodiments. Manyother embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The scope of the variousembodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims,the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-Englishequivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are notwritten in means-plus-function format and are not intended to beinterpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claimlimitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statementof function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the variousembodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also toenable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the variousembodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, andcan include other examples that occur to those persons of ordinary skillin the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope ofthe claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if the examples includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A railroad switch circuit controller assemblycomprising: a switch frame configured to be mounted to a stock rail; aswitch controller held by the switch frame, the switch controllercomprising at least one switching mechanism, the switch controllercomprising a point detection rod operatively connected to the at leastone switching mechanism, the point detection rod extending a length froma proximate end portion to a distal end portion, wherein the proximateend portion of the point detection rod is located closer to the stockrail as compared to the distal end portion when the switch frame ismounted to the stock rail; a switch foot configured to be mounted to aswitch rail; and an external rod operatively connected between theswitch foot and the point detection rod of the switch controller suchthat the external rod is configured to translate linear movement of theswitch foot toward and away from the stock rail to the point detectionrod, wherein the external rod is connected to the proximate end portionof the point detection rod.
 2. The railroad switch circuit controllerassembly of claim 1, wherein the distal end portion of the pointdetection rod is a free end portion.
 3. The railroad switch circuitcontroller assembly of claim 1, wherein the external rod extends withinthe switch frame.
 4. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the external rod is configured to extend above a lowerwall of the switch frame when the switch frame is mounted to the stockrail.
 5. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of claim 1,wherein the switch foot comprises a slot having a length that isconfigured to extend along a length of the stock rail when the switchframe is mounted to the stock rail, the external rod being operativelyconnected to the switch foot such that the external rod extends withinthe slot, wherein the external rod is free to move within the slot alongthe length of the slot.
 6. The railroad switch circuit controllerassembly of claim 1, wherein the switch foot comprises an opening, theexternal rod being operatively connected to the switch foot such thatthe external rod extends within the opening, wherein the external rodfree to move vertically within the opening relative to the switch foot.7. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly of claim 1, whereinthe operative connection of the external rod between the switch foot andthe point detection rod has less than three points of loss.
 8. Therailroad switch circuit controller assembly of claim 1, wherein theoperative connection of the external rod between the switch foot and thepoint detection rod has less than two points of loss.
 9. The railroadswitch circuit controller assembly of claim 1, wherein the switch frameis configured to be mounted to the stock rail using a clamp, the switchframe further comprising a wedge retainer that is fit over a clampingmember of the clamp with an interference fit.
 10. The railroad switchcircuit controller assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least oneswitching mechanism comprises at least one of a switch or a relay.
 11. Arailroad switch assembly comprising: a switch rail; and a switch circuitcontroller assembly comprising: a switch frame configured to be mountedto a stock rail of a railroad; a switch controller held by the switchframe, the switch controller comprising at least one switchingmechanism, the switch controller comprising a point detection rodoperatively connected to the at least one switching mechanism, the pointdetection rod extending a length from a proximate end portion to adistal end portion, wherein the proximate end portion of the pointdetection rod is located closer to the stock rail as compared to thedistal end portion when the switch frame is mounted to the stock rail; aswitch foot mounted to a switch rail; and an external rod operativelyconnected between the switch foot and the point detection rod of theswitch controller such that the external rod is configured to translatelinear movement of the switch foot toward and away from the stock railto the point detection rod, wherein the external rod is connected to theproximate end portion of the point detection rod.
 12. The railroadswitch assembly of claim 11, wherein the distal end portion of the pointdetection rod is a free end portion.
 13. The railroad switch assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the external rod extends above a lower wall of theswitch frame.
 14. The railroad switch assembly of claim 11, wherein theexternal rod is operatively connected to the switch foot such that theexternal rod extends within an opening of the switch foot, the externalrod being free to move within the opening along the length of the stockrail relative to the switch foot, the external rod being free to movewithin the opening vertically relative to the stock rail.
 15. Therailroad switch assembly of claim 11, wherein the operative connectionof the external rod between the switch foot and the point detection rodhas less than two points of loss.
 16. A railroad switch circuitcontroller assembly comprising: a switch frame configured to be mountedto a stock rail; a switch controller held by the switch frame, theswitch controller comprising at least one switching mechanism, theswitch controller comprising a point detection rod operatively connectedto the at least one switching mechanism; a switch foot configured to bemounted to a switch rail; and an external rod operatively connectedbetween the switch foot and the point detection rod of the switchcontroller such that the external rod is configured to translate linearmovement of the switch foot toward and away from the stock rail to thepoint detection rod, wherein the external rod extends within an interiorcavity of the switch frame.
 17. The railroad switch circuit controllerassembly of claim 16, wherein the external rod is configured to extendabove a lower wall of the switch frame when the switch frame is mountedto the stock rail.
 18. The railroad switch circuit controller assemblyof claim 16, wherein the switch foot comprises a slot having a lengththat is configured to extend along a length of the stock rail when theswitch frame is mounted to the stock rail, the external rod beingoperatively connected to the switch foot such that the external rodextends within the slot, wherein the external rod is free to move withinthe slot along the length of the slot.
 19. The railroad switch circuitcontroller assembly of claim 16, wherein the switch foot comprises anopening, the external rod being operatively connected to the switch footsuch that the external rod extends within the opening, wherein theexternal rod free to move vertically within the opening relative to theswitch foot.
 20. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly ofclaim 16, wherein the operative connection of the external rod betweenthe switch foot and the point detection rod has less than two points ofloss.